Were you or someone close to you seriously injured while working offshore? Sailors, oil and gas workers, and other professionals who earn a living offshore routinely face the risk of injury or death. Accidents that lead to severe injury or death are all too common, and many can be attributed to inattentiveness on the part of the crew or ship captain/ owner. If you’re in need of compensation, a skilled Jones Act attorney can assist you with organizing and pursuing a claim against the party you feel is responsible for your injury.
What is the Jones Act?
The Jones Act is outlined in Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, and exists to regulate the transportation of goods and passengers through United States waters. In addition to requiring that these transportations take place in ships owned and crewed by United States citizens, the Jones Act includes protective provisions for offshore workers. One of these provisions gives employees the right to pursue compensation and damages for any injuries sustained while working in the service of a ship captain, owner, or crew.
Maritime Injuries
There are various types of injuries that can occur offshore, especially if employers don’t take the proper precautions to ensure work environments are monitored and safe. Injuries caused by lifting or pulling equipment, slippery decks, collisions with other ships, unsafe vessels, or falling overboard are a few examples of the types of precarious situations that can lead to serious injuries. Death at sea is also a fairly common instance in maritime cases, and is addressed in the Death on the High Seas Act.
Injury Legal Know-How
If you or a loved one was injured or lost at sea due to an accident that should have been prevented, trust a Jones Act attorney for the knowledgeable guidance you need. Experienced lawyers represent a wide variety of clients, such as maritime sailors and supply boat, offshore platform, barge, freighter workers, and many others. A well-practiced attorney will possess an in-depth understanding of the Jones Act and other legal provisions that are applicable to your case – improving your chances of being awarded compensation for your injuries or loss.
As a double board-certified attorney, Steve Ferrell of The Ferrell Law Firm, P.C., is experienced in handling cases on behalf of injured offshore workers. To submit a free case review, go to ferrell-lawfirm.com. For more information read more.
